Chapter 64 Daphne, Who Am I to You?

Carl stormed back to his car, practically shoving Daphne inside and angrily snapping her seatbelt into place.

Daphne, wide-eyed and panicked, reached out and tugged on his sleeve. "Please, don't be mad."

Her voice was shaky, like she was on the verge of tears, which made Carl's anger waver for a moment. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but her sad face just made him mad all over again.

"What were you thinking, Daphne?" he snapped. "Going to see Alan's wife like that?"

"I was invited by Mrs. Fisher. I didn't think it was a big deal," she mumbled.

Carl couldn't believe how naive she was. He pinched her cheek, not gently. "Are you an idiot? Alan's a known womanizer. How could you get involved with him?"

Daphne stayed quiet. After a few tense seconds, Carl slammed the car door and got into the driver's seat, fuming.

They drove in silence. When they got home, Daphne had to jog to keep up with Carl as he stormed into the house.

Ignoring everyone, Carl headed straight upstairs. Evelyn and the others gave Daphne questioning looks, but she just signaled that it was nothing and hurried after him.

In the bedroom, Carl yanked at his tie, but it wouldn't budge. Daphne stepped in and gently helped him untie it.

"Please, don't be mad," she said softly.

Carl glanced at her and sighed. Daphne explained, "Ophelia introduced us. Mrs. Fisher has been really kind to me, and I even have a job at her studio. She seemed really down and wanted to talk."

She added, "I promise I'll tell you next time before I do anything, okay?"

Her gentle, almost pleading tone finally calmed Carl down. "I'm sorry for making you worry," she said.

"Who was worried about you? I just don't want to be a widower," Carl grumbled.

"Carl," Daphne said softly, looking at him seriously. "Mrs. Fisher is in a tough spot. I want to help her get a divorce."

Carl was taken aback. 

"I want to help her," Daphne repeated firmly. "But no lawyer in Irvingport will go against Alan. I was hoping you could..."

Before she could finish, Carl cut her off. "No."

"Is it really not possible?" Daphne asked, looking disappointed.

"Daphne, who do you think you're going to help her with? Me?"

She nodded hopefully. "Can I?"

Carl let out a bitter laugh. "Daphne, who am I to you?"

Daphne stayed quiet, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes, but she quickly pulled herself together. She didn't want to make things harder for Carl.

She switched gears. "I'll grab your pajamas. You should take a shower."

As she turned to get his clothes, Carl felt a pang of regret for his harsh words.

After Daphne finished her shower, she went downstairs to get a cup of hot water and placed it by Carl's bed.

Carl had something on his mind, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Goodnight," Daphne said, turning off the bedside lamp.

Carl looked at her, her hair still carrying that pleasant scent. 

He had spoken out of worry for her safety. But Daphne, this sweet girl, had just started to enjoy her new life and already wanted to help Claire.

It was clear to Carl that Claire was trying to use Daphne's connection to Carl to sort out her divorce.

Christmas was around the corner.

Irvingport had seen a few light snowfalls, and recently, a heavy one. The streets were decked out with festive decorations.

This time, Daphne had let Carl know before heading out.

Even though their marriage agreement said they wouldn't meddle in each other's business, she still felt it was right to tell Carl.

As she neared the coffee shop, she saw Claire waving from a window seat.

She put away her umbrella and shook off the snow at the door.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Daphne greeted Claire.

"No worries, I was just nearby. Sorry for troubling you to come out again. It's so cold. I got you an oat milk latte to warm your hands." Claire reached out and touched Daphne's cold hands.

Having met Daphne a few times, Claire knew she wasn't in the best health, so she took extra care of her.

Claire was considerate, well-mannered, and capable, which was why Alan had valued her initially.

Daphne felt warmed. "I was planning to meet you anyway."

"Can you help me?" Claire asked, a bit excited.

Daphne nodded and pulled out a business card from her bag.

"I've already talked to Otis. You can contact him and explain your situation to see what the next steps are."

Claire gasped in surprise as she took the card. Otis was an internationally renowned lawyer with an undefeated record.

The surprise was so overwhelming that Claire felt it was unreal.

"Daphne, how can I ever thank you?"

"No need to thank me."

Daphne smiled innocently, making Claire think she might be the most wonderful girl in the world.

Otis worked for Jesse, and his annual salary was astronomical.

Under such circumstances, it was incredible that Otis would take on the case.